Blue Hills Rules & Regulations

Dogs are allowed in the Blue Hills Reservation on a leash, but not on the Houghton's Pond beach or the Trailside Museum grounds. The reservation is open dawn to dusk. DCR prohibits alcohol, open fires, camping outside the AMC camp at Ponkapoag Pond, metal detectors, hunting, and groups of 25 or more without a permit. Mountain bikes, grills and boating are allowed only in designated areas.

Dogs in the Blue Hills

DCR welcomes dogs on a leash at all times, and you have to pick up and carry out their waste. DCR's suggested-hikes sheet sets the leash at 10 feet maximum. Two places are off limits:

• Houghton's Pond beach and water: no pets on the beach or in the water, even on a leash. Leashed dogs are fine in the rest of the recreation area.
• Trailside Museum grounds: Mass Audubon prohibits dogs on its property (service animals welcome).

Keeping dogs leashed also protects wildlife. DCR asks everyone to keep pets leashed and avoid all wildlife, including snakes.

What DCR Prohibits

DCR's trail map lists these as prohibited everywhere in the reservation:

• Littering
• Open fires
• Metal detectors
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pets off leash
• Hunting or trapping
• Posting or handing out leaflets
• Camping, except at the AMC camp with a permit
• Motor vehicles, except on public roads
• Disruptive conduct, including public nudity
• Groups of 25 or more without a DCR permit
• Damaging or removing plants, animals, structures, artifacts or other state property

Allowed Only in Designated Areas

• Parking
• Sports
• Mountain biking
• Charcoal grills or fuel stoves
• Non-motorized boating, at Ponkapoag Pond only
• Swimming, at Houghton's Pond only, with lifeguards on duty

Violations can mean a fine or arrest under the state's park regulations, 302 CMR 12.00, and visitors must follow the directions of park staff and police.

Mountain Biking Rules

• Ride only on trails marked in black on DCR's mountain bike map.
• No biking east of Route 28 or north of I-93, where endangered species live.
• All bike trails close for the month of March.
• Yield to hikers and horseback riders, and slow down on blind corners.
• Groups of six or more riders need a special use permit from Reservation Headquarters.
• Riders under 16 must wear a helmet under state law.

Houghton's Pond Rules

Houghton's Pond has its own list. On the beach: no grills or fires, no pets or horses, no fishing, and no balls or Frisbees. In the water: swim only in the supervised area, with no flotation devices, masks or snorkels. No boats are allowed on the pond. Only propane grills are allowed, in designated areas.

Rock Climbing

DCR points climbers to the Quincy Quarries Historic Site on Ricciuti Drive in Quincy, and requires proper safety equipment. Swimming and diving in the quarries are prohibited.

Snakes and Protected Wildlife

The Blue Hills are home to 13 species listed as endangered or threatened in Massachusetts, including small populations of timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads. DCR says these snakes are shy, avoid people and don't bite unless provoked. They're protected by state law from any harm or harassment. Stay on the trails, respect trail closures, and give any snake you see plenty of room.

Hiking Etiquette DCR Asks For

• Stay on marked trails, for your safety and to protect habitat.
• Carry out everything you carry in.
• Keep groups to 12 people or fewer.
• Wear blaze orange when appropriate in hunting season. DCR also runs a Blue Hills Deer Management Program; check its page for dates.
• Boaters 12 and under, and all canoe and kayak paddlers from September 15 to May 15, must wear a life jacket.

What About Drones?

DCR's Blue Hills page and trail map don't mention drones. Before you fly, check DCR's current rules and any posted signs, and keep clear of the observatory and the crowds on the summits.

Emergencies

Call 911. DCR's map also lists the State Police Milton barracks at (617) 698-5840 and DCR's 24-hour radio dispatch at (508) 820-1428. Trail intersection numbers help responders find you: read the nearest white sign (see our trail map page).